Research by EurotaxGlass's analysed over 100,000 trade values measuring the price differential between identical three-year-old models registered from March to August and September to February.

“Used car buyers remain willing to pay more for the most up-to-date registration plate available within their budget, but dealers consistently report a price premium for the March to August plate series – 02, 03, 04, etc – because people find it much easier to identify the age of the car,” said Adrian Rushmore, managing editor at EurotaxGlass's.

“In the typical year, sales during the period September to February usually account for around 45 per cent of total annual registrations, so these weaker residual values are affecting a very significant number of used cars.”